Rusk 11-9-8

[Tom Rankin]

Just a tad below freezing when we set out at around 8:45 AM. We crossed over the bridge that is under construction, me straddling 2 beams and Laurie 'tight rope walking' a single plank. 2 people that we headed up with were a little freaked and decided to cross the stream. After the bridge, we had to cross 3 streams, none of which go under the bridge. We hit the 'hog-back' and pretty much went up on a steady bearing all the way to the top. We had to skirt a few blowdowns and a few small ledges, but it was pretty straightforward.

There were a few nice views from near the top, (speaking of which, we saw a VFTT sticker in the parking lot! SHOUT OUT!), including the Hunter Fire Tower. A quick trip back down to the parking lot and back to a family function. Total hiking time about 3 hours. Not a speck of snow or even ice. Wet leaves for sure! Gaiters saved me when I slipped and plunged my boot into the last stream crossing on the way back!

 

[hermit]

Hi Tom and Laurie,
That was my vehicle in the p.a..I took a real nice hike up Rusk over East Rusk,then hooked up to the Hunter trail ,over Hunter and then over Leavitt Peak(South West Hunter).One of my favorite loops using the Devil's Path as a return to the upper Spruceton.http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=123p6i9v.18zlrvt3&x=0&h=1&y=inew5y&localeid=en_US